Is PMS bad for BP?

Is PMS bad for BP?

By Dr. George I. Traitses

Some women experience only mild symptoms of premenstrual syndrome during their monthly cycle, while others experience moderate to severe symptoms.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has a wide variety of symptoms, including mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability and depression. It’s estimated that as many as 3 of every 4 menstruating women have experienced some form of premenstrual syndrome.

Symptoms tend to recur in a predictable pattern. But the physical and emotional changes you experience with premenstrual syndrome may vary from just slightly noticeable all the way to intense.

Still, you don’t have to let these problems control your life. Treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help you reduce or manage the signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

For those who suffer from severe symptoms, high blood pressure down the road may be a dangerous side effect, according to recent research.

Researchers followed more than 1,250 women with moderate to severe PMS for 15 years (1991-2005) and nearly double that number with only severe PMS, following up with both groups until 2011 to determine whether significant PMS impacted high blood pressure over time. Women with moderate to severe PMS were 40 percent more likely to develop high BP compared to women with mild / no PMS symptoms, and the elevated risk did not dissipate when the researchers accounted for high blood pressure risk factors including weight, smoking, drinking, lack of exercise, family history of hypertension and other variables.

Is  high blood pressure in your future? If you suffer moderate to severe PMS, you may want to get your BP checked regularly to ensure you’re in the safe range; as well as engage in healthy behaviors such as moderate exercise, sound nutrition, etc., to reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. Talk to your  chiropractor to learn more.

For more information on health and safety please visit www.toyourhealth.com and the Ontario Chiropractic Association web site at www.chiropractic.on.ca or call 1877-327-2273. Dr. George I. Traitses of Infinite Health practices traditional chiropractic, advanced nutrition and anti aging therapy and has been serving the Toronto and Markham communities since 1981. You can reach him at 416-499-5656 or www.